“I still need more healthy rest in order to work at my best. My health is the main capital I have and I want to administer it intelligently.” Hemingway

       Over a forty-eight hour span I spent in excess of twenty hours in an airplane, about seven hours waiting for various airplanes, and the rest of the time trying to get some sleep.  It was all in an attempt to get home for my two weeks of Rest and Relaxation.  The outcome; I made it home, quite tired, but I made it.  When I arrived at the airport in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, I hardly noticed my children.  A lot has changed with them physically over the last nine months.  It was incredible to see those immediately noticeable changes in them, and that’s when it hit me, I had been gone a long time.  The time in Afghanistan didn’t seem all that long, at least not nine months worth, but obviously it was passing on, and with young children those changes are dramatic.  The reunion was one of the most emotional times of my life, more so than when ET escaped on the flying bicycle.  Thankfully I didn’t turn into a blubbering crybaby, although quite tempting, but there was way too much of an audience for that. However, there were other people in the airport that we didn’t know, who had started to cry.  It was quite a scene.  I was glad to know that other people, who aren’t in the military, got to eyewitness how much we sacrifice to do what we do.

       Once home, I had an agenda, and that was to make sure I made as much contact as I possibly could with friends and family.  I had a great time reuniting with everyone, and I hope that the time was enough.  If I failed to include anyone, my apologies, it certainly wasn’t intentional.  There were three items that I observed when I met up with everyone.  The first one; time and distance do little to affect good relationships.  When I spoke with everybody at get-togethers, it was if we had only been apart for a very short while.  It was really astonishing to notice that, really, little effort was required to reconnect with my family, friends, and colleagues. The second thing; people really appreciate what we have been doing here, and this one is for everyone I met during my travels.  Although they may not have been of the same political persuasion, or appreciated the war, that didn’t seem matter.  What mattered was that they were proud of the work we were doing, and that we were serving our country as best we could.   For those who I met along the way, I thank you for your generosity.  I don’t think I paid for a whole lot while moving through the various airports.  It always seemed that there was someone there who would pick up my tab, without even knowing me, or me knowing about it, because they wanted to do something more to say thanks.  For those who did just say thanks for the service, you are appreciated just as well, and you’re all welcomed.  The last thing I noticed, was after over nine months without any sort of libations, I had become the worlds cheapest date.  It did not take long to notice the effects of a well-poured Guinness, and the mornings after consequences if I had asked for one too many.  It figures that I would get to participate in the war that is alcohol free, certainly not like the days of old, but overall I think it is a good choice.  This place is depressing enough on its own, we definitely don’t need to add a depressant to the mix.  (no pun intended) 

       Well after a few days of being at home, it was time to move onto the vacation phase of the trip home.  The family, and I, decided to have some alone time, so off we went to spend six days in Chicago.  My family absolutely loves Chicago, especially the boys.  The big draw for them is them is the Shedd’s Aquarium, Sears and Hancock tower, and the Field Museum.  My boys decided that the first day there that we would visit the “big buildings”, which are the Sears and Hancock.  They love to go up to the observations decks, and look out over the city.  My eldest son had been saving his money, because he wanted to do something special for me while we were in Chicago.  He set his mind on buying me lunch for my birthday at the restaurant on the top of the Hancock tower.  It was pretty awesome, the food was great, and what an immense gesture from a seven year old.  However, I ended up paying the tab, I think his money is better served going  into the bank for something later.  Don’t tell him though.  The views were absolutely spectacular, and above are a couple of pictures from our table.   The next day we went to Shedd’s Aquarium.  My three year old loved the dolphin show, but was convinced that the dolphins were not real, but that they were in fact actually robots.  It explained how the humans were able to get them to do the tricks, and you never know, he could be right. Then off to the Field Museum, and the first thing we saw when we entered the main hall was Sue the T-Rex.  After minutes of intense study of the dinosaurs’ remains, I came up with a theory to explain their extinction.  You see; the short arms didn’t allow for dino-tooth brushing, and therefore they died out do to cavities and gingivitis.  One cannot expect to be a mega scary carnivore without sharp dinosaur teeth.  At least that’s what I told my kids to encourage proper dental hygiene.  My eldest son immediately corrected me, letting me know that the latest theory for dinosaur extinction is that a giant meteorite may have struck the earth. Oh, darn smart school … I like my idea better.  I could go on and on about our trip to Chicago, but I do not want to bore anyone with the details.  I don’t think there us anything worse than being forced to look at someone’s vacations pictures.

       Staying on the thirty-fifth floor of the Hyatt Regency in Chicago, on the “Miracle Mile” no less, is certainly not cheap, so we found some employment for the boys to help offset the costs we were accruing while staying there.  I would have been there to help, but I’m not so good with the whole heights thing.  Darn vertigo.

       Well, anyhoo, my time home was well spent, and I definitely had a good time.  I really wasn’t looking forward to the trip back, but of course as all good things, they must come to an end.  Off to the airport I go to endure the massive amount of traveling it takes to move halfway around the globe, back to Afghanistan.  I look forward to getting back though, believe it or not, because when I return we only have about sixty days left before our tour is complete.  Getting back to Afghanistan means the countdown on those last days begins.  I just cannot wait to put this whole deployment away on the shelves of my long-term memory.  I really believe that we are doing good things there, and that our time and efforts are truly appreciated, but being home for two weeks has reminded me that I have another place I really need to be, other than Afghanistan. I also want to make sure that I thank the students, teachers, and staff of the Malcolm Price Laboratory School.  You were all so awesome when I stopped in to see you, and your continued support of our humanitarian efforts are immensely appreciated.

 

Until Next Time,

Mark

       This post has been dedicated to the ever steadfast, and endearing, Ruth Erickson, my wife’s grandmother.  I am truly appreciative of the many years that we were able to know each other, and will forever miss you, now that you have passed onto the next realm.